this is a great question I actually wondered! Thank you! Also his eminence made me a catechumen yesterday at St Philaret of NY in South Carolina ☦️♥️🙏🏻
As an convert to the Georgian Orthodox Church from Ireland I would like to say that I deeply sympathise with the old calenderist Church and their struggle especially those undergoing persecution in places. I would just like to point out to his Eminence that the Georgian Church has not been a member of world council of churches since 1998. I would also just like to thank him for hid sermons and they are extremely edifying for me in my spiritual life. I pray and wish you well
Metropolitan Demetrius is a confessing bishop of Orthodoxy. Glory be to God to be given such hierarchs in these times. Despota, remember the suffering American people in your prayers! Τόν Δεσπότην καὶ Ἀρχιερέα ἡμῶν, Κύριε φύλαττε, εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα
May the Lord Keep our beloved Metropolitan well grounded in the Faith and sober minded. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see these differences of opinion regarding the Calendar, amongst brothers and sisters! Lord have mercy on us! 🙏☦️
I always learn something from Metropolitan Demetrius. I’m grateful for these videos and the live streaming of services, as my parish home is far away. Thank you.
that feeling when you realize "fighting from within" cannot be a tenable way to operate anymore, especially because it's more like WAITING from within while it just gets worse every year
Thanks for posting this. As a newcomer to the faith, the calendar issue remains a bit of a mystery to me, as is much of the church's structure. I guess my question is still why did the West change it's calendar in the first place? What was the reason? I am probably asking this in the wrong place, but that is a question, regardless. Resources to read would be appreciated if anyone knows of any. Thank God for Metropolitan Demetrius ☦️
We are not calendar worshippers but.... Gregorian one was condemned by the several Councils of the Orthodox Church. Question for all "new calendar" OCs... When does the Fast of Holy Apostles start and end this 2024 year according to the calendar you use.?
Hi I would like to join the Old Calendar Church but unfortunately I am from Singapore and there is only the New Calendar Church. I wish to learn and to be baptised in the Old Rite. I'm currently a Greek Catholic. Would appreciate some help. Thank you and God bless.
Thank you for this information, i fell away from orthodoxy because i didn't understand why there were so many traditions and couldn't see it biblically....I'm near Williamsport PA, are there any non ecumenical churches here? Or are they all the same? I would love to speak to someone, i have so many questions, plus what about communion? I don't want to go to a church that is worldy...Thank you again Metropolitan Dimitrius
The New Calendarist Schism. Those brothers who dare call our beloved G.O.C. Church a schism need to understand that a schism always has two sides and each side of a schism may call the other schismatics. It does not matter what these sides call each other since the most important thing in such a matter is to accurately determine the following: After the schism Who remained in the Church and Who was cut off from Christ’s Body. Let's figure this out! It is an undeniable fact that the calendar schism was caused specifically by those who in 1924 introduced a previously non-existent calendar innovation into the Church, and as a consequence of this caused the New Calendar Schism. The faithful flock of the Greek Church never left the Church because they remained in the very same Holy Church with the same Julian Calendar after March 1924 in which they themselves were members of before March 1924, and in which their pious ancestors had always been members of before them. On the contrary, it was the schismatic new calendarists that left the Orthodox Church! The dire consequences of the adoption of the New Calendar was attested many times by the Holy Fathers: For example, in 1582, the Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah II condemned the New Calendar; in 1553, the Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah II, together with the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Jerusalem, collectively condemned the New Calendar and called on Christians firmly and unswervingly, even to the point of shedding one’s blood, adhere to the Orthodox monthly book of saints (Menaion, Menalogion) and the Julian Paschal, imposing anathema and excommunication from the Orthodox Church on all violators of this decree. Ecumenical Patriarch Kirill V, in his Epistle in 1756, imposes terrible curses on the temporal earthly as well as the future eternal life on all Christians who accepted the New Style Calendar. Ecumenical Patriarch Anthimus VI, together with other Eastern Patriarchs: Hierotheus of Alexandria, Methodius of Antioch and Cyril of Jerusalem with their Synods - in 1848, in the Epistle on behalf of the Only One Catholic and Apostolic Church, called the adoption of the New Calendar a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and anathematized all those who accept the New Calendar. The attempt to introduce the erroneous New Style Calendar into the Orthodox Church under the guise of “Revised Julian” did not change the consequences for the reformers in essence. They not only reformed the Calendar but they also switched to a New Style Menalogion and consequently brought themselves under all mentioned above curses and anathemas of the Fathers. In March 1924 the Orthodox remnant of the Greek Church rejected the erroneous calendar, refused to follow the false-teachers into schism and affirmed the canonicity of their resistance based on the second part of the XV Canon of the First-and-Second Council: “For those who separate from communion with their president because of some heresy condemned by the Holy Councils or Fathers, when, that is, he preaches heresy to the whole people, and teaches it openly in the church, if such wall themselves off from communion with the above-mentioned bishop before conciliar examination not only are not subject to the penalty laid down by the Canons, but are also worthy of the honour befitting the Orthodox. For they have condemned, not bishops, but false-bishops and false-teachers, and they have no sundered the unity of the Church by a schism, but have endeavoured to protect the Church from schisms and divisions”. After all that has been said above, we must conclude that the Old Calendar Greek Orthodox Church G.O.C. represents the Canonical Greek Local Church which has not only survived the tumultuous past century but continues to pave the way to salvation for its flock, serves as a witness to the Truth to those who seek It and protects the Church from schisms, divisions and false teachings.
I recently discovered orthodoxy and things like this scarys me. There are only 3 orthodox churches near me. One is American and the priest seems a bit liberal and lax. The others dont speak english. I tried the greek one and they were unfriendly. The third is Russian, their website isnt in english so i dont expect any acceptance. I want to be true with God and on the right path. Is this old vs new calender issue something a newcomer should worry about ?
Of course, from our point of view, it is an issue, because of ecumenism. The Orthodox Church believes that it is The Body of Christ, and you cannot be Orthodox if you do not believe that. If you have any more questions about your search, please write to gocofamerica@gmail.com
Can I ask a question, when here the Old calandra is referred, and I also follow the sermons of Metropolitan Demetrius, is it similar to the Ethiopain Calander? Cause I see all the days of the saints and all the fasting seasons resembles our Ethiopian orthodox calander days, I don’t now about the year though cause we are currently in 2016 and not 2024. is it similar to our time line or ?
@@tsamateklerisom7335 Our calendar is based on the ancient Alexandrian or Coptic calendar, which traces its origins back to the ancient Egyptian calendar. In contrast, the calendar they use is relatively more recent, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE and later refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 CE. Our calendar determines the year based on the Annunciation of Jesus, believed to have taken place on March 25 according to the Julian calendar. Our calendar is approximately seven to eight years behind the calendar they use. It is worth noting that our calendar's calculation of the year does not rely on astronomical observations like the calendar they use. Instead, our calendar is firmly rooted in religious tradition. Furthermore, Ethiopia holds a significant historical distinction in being the first nation to embrace Christianity as a national religion. While it took nearly four centuries for regions like Greece, Rome, and Russia to adopt Christianity, Ethiopia had already established it as the cornerstone of our nation. During the initial 350 years after the birth of Christ, Christians in regions such as Greece, Rome, and the Middle East faced severe persecution and martyrdom. In contrast, Ethiopia celebrated Christ as the Redeemer, and our ancestors, untainted by the blood of Christians and through a steadfast commitment and reverence for Christ they established a calendar to commemorate the birth and feasts of our Lord. This unique characteristic of our calendar contributes to its accuracy and precision. ✝Did you happen to notice the response from Metropolitan Demetrius regarding your question? He is oblivious of the saintly fathers and hermits within our Orthodox monastic tradition, not to mention our unique calendar. Metropolitan Demetrius, like many Western Christians, including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant believers, often harbors misconceptions about Africa, often perceiving us as somewhat barbaric and assuming that they alone represent Christianity in the world. Unfortunately, Caucasian Christians often foolishly overlook our existence, disregarding our significance within the historical context. Having lived in the USA and encountered Greek EO Christians, I have observed that they exhibit ignorance when it comes to recognizing the rich spiritual heritage of Ethiopia. They mistakenly consider their Mount Athos monks as the exclusive torchbearers of the desert fathers, disregarding the wealth of spiritual traditions present within Ethiopia. It appears that you may not be fully aware of the profound spiritual legacy that exists in Ethiopia. I encourage you to seek a deeper understanding of the remarkable spiritual traditions that thrive within our country. ✝Indeed, the monks of Mount Athos are truly dedicated individuals who lead lives of devotion, prayer, and asceticism, striving for a deep union with God. Their commitment to simplicity, solitude, and contemplation is commendable. However, it is important to highlight that our hermits are numbered into the thousands. And many of our hermits reside in remote and austere locations, such as the Tekeze Desert, Waldeba Monastery, in the desert caves located approximately 100 miles from Gishen Mariam, Daga Estiphanos, Debre Libanos Monastery, to name a few. As you may know, most of our hermits possess only a single item of clothing and do not wear shoes. Many among them, especially those in Askema (advanced spiritual discipline), refrain from laying on the ground and instead take short naps while sitting on a chair. Beginners, of course, sleep directly on the bare ground. Have you ever experienced the taste of bread consumed by our monks at St. Teklehimanot Monastery? I had the chance to try it, and I must say it is extremely bitter, to the point where I couldn't even swallow a bite. At Waldeba Monastery, they partake of an ounce of dried banana at sunset. Fasting is observed throughout the year, with the exception of feast days. I had the privilege of meeting a monk who dedicated 30 years of his life to silent prayer, following in the footsteps of Abba Agathon of Sects. During these three decades, he kept a stone in his mouth, removing it only when eating or taking communion. Such extraordinary acts of devotion and self-discipline exemplify the profound spiritual traditions upheld by our monks. ✝Moreover, I had the remarkable opportunity to encounter a monk who engaged in a unique form of prayer - from dusk till dawn, he would pray outdoors, completely naked, with the exception of covering his private parts as he immerses himself in water from his knees down. He dedicated himself to intense mortification, perfect prayer and communion with God for a remarkable span of 25 years. During my month-long period, I had also the privilege of living among a group of three hermits. Their way of life resonated deeply with me, and I longed to stay and emulate their spiritual path. However, one of the hermits, in his wisdom, advised me that it was not God's plan for me. He foresaw my journey to the United States, my pursuit of education, the gain of material wealth, and the subsequent downfall I would experience due to pride and involvement in immoral behavior driven by the power of money. He also spoke of the struggles I would face during a period of repentance, and the eventual rise I would experience through the grace of God. Now, as I have grown older, I can clearly see that every word spoken by the hermit has come to pass. His prophetic insight into my life has been uncannily accurate, and I have witnessed the truth of his words unfold before my eyes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the divine wisdom that can be found within the spiritual guidance of our Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido hermits and monks. It is important to recognize and appreciate the rich spiritual heritage found within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, which encompasses the dedicated lives and practices of our hermits and monks. They embody a profound commitment to their faith and serve as a source of inspiration for all who encounter their remarkable journeys. ✝My main emphasis is that both Metropolitan Demetrius and many Western Christians are often unaware of the hidden gems that Ethiopia possesses and the extraordinary spiritual achievements and dedication found among these desert saints of Ethiopia. Within our country, there are beloved desert saints who reside in the deserts and caves, diligently adhering to the strict disciplines and teachings of the revered desert fathers. These Ethiopian monks excel in every aspect, surpassing even the renowned monks of Mount Athos.
What is the synod's official position on whether or not the "modernist jurisdictions" have sanctifying grace, meaning the special charism which only the one, holy, catholic, apostolic church possesses?
The position which the Orthodox Church has always had. It's in the life of St. Maximos the Confessor. Even so, we must be careful about this question. Never do we find this question causing divisions in the Church. The very bishops of ROCOR at one time had differences of opinions over whether the Latins have grace! We obviously don't believe that, but the point is that that should not be the main concern. Separation from heresy should be. Whenever the Orthodox separate from heretics, they are concerned about the heresy and separating from it. They don't fixate on the question of Grace.
It is not a fair question knowing that civic calendar in all countries is Gregorian one... and thus... use of Julian calendar in civic affairs is not possible.
@@johnnyd2383 why is Julius Ceasars pagan calender more valid than Gregory's heretical calender? Do you think the leap year is valid or not? It's a moot issue. These aren't the calenders of the Lord. And the supposed True Orthodox Church of Greece chose to obey mandates rather than take on fines or imprisonment in 2020. That's a greater heresy than ecumenism. When the fathers dubbed the heresy of heresies ecumenism they couldn't fathom that they'd ever face a clergy so weak that would accept the idea of staying locked in doors and deny Holy Communion to the faithful because the state told us we'd get sick. Repent!
Ethiopia as country has her own calander, we don’t call it Julian cause it’s the Ethiopian Orthodox Church fathers who installed it and there is a calculation called ‚BEHARE HASAB‘ which enables to decide the days of the feast of the year. So we use this in Ethiopia as our daily calander and we are in the year 2016 and not 2024 and our time zone is not 24 rather divided in to two 12 hour zones from morning to evening and from evening to morning, so basically to say sun oriented
There is a much more practical reason for celebrating Pascha on the same date as everyone else, and that is for the faithful who end up missing Holy Week because they have to travel for work and cannot attend. It is an issue of pastoral love and care for the faithful, not ecumenism. My opinion is that the decision on this is made by people who don’t have to make this choice.
Brothers the reason for the calendar change was stated clearly in the 1920 encyclical "To the churches of Christ everywhere" - this document is a call for Christian union (Ecumenism) and therefore the reason for the calendar change is sadly not that of pastoral care but of building the kingdom of antichrist. May God preserve and save us all.
I believe its time to put into practice the 15 cannon of the second synod of Saint Fotios the great As that is the only way to beat Hersey with out causing cracks in the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church of the Holy Fathers and the Ecumenical council's decision
this is a great question I actually wondered! Thank you!
Also his eminence made me a catechumen yesterday at St Philaret of NY in South Carolina ☦️♥️🙏🏻
Glory to God. May the Lord establish you in the Holy Church.
As an convert to the Georgian Orthodox Church from Ireland I would like to say that I deeply sympathise with the old calenderist Church and their struggle especially those undergoing persecution in places. I would just like to point out to his Eminence that the Georgian Church has not been a member of world council of churches since 1998. I would also just like to thank him for hid sermons and they are extremely edifying for me in my spiritual life. I pray and wish you well
Thank you very much for your message and kind words. God bless you and save you!
Good to hear, Thanks for sharing
Metropolitan Demetrius is a confessing bishop of Orthodoxy. Glory be to God to be given such hierarchs in these times. Despota, remember the suffering American people in your prayers! Τόν Δεσπότην καὶ Ἀρχιερέα ἡμῶν, Κύριε φύλαττε, εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα
Pray for His Eminence.
Glory to God!
May the Lord Keep our beloved Metropolitan well grounded in the Faith and sober minded. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see these differences of opinion regarding the Calendar, amongst brothers and sisters! Lord have mercy on us! 🙏☦️
Pray for His Eminence.
I’m Greek Orthodox but will continue to learn and grow from Metropolitan Demetrios. May God have mercy on all of us.
Met Demetrios is Greek Orthodox. Just not with the state-church which killed the Christians and continues to do so
God bless you!
@@Skd92gMe when I'm a schismatic
I want to listen to the Metropolitan Demetrios 24/7
@@fuzzi3125
I always learn something from Metropolitan Demetrius. I’m grateful for these videos and the live streaming of services, as my parish home is far away. Thank you.
God bless you!
that feeling when you realize "fighting from within" cannot be a tenable way to operate anymore, especially because it's more like WAITING from within while it just gets worse every year
Until, unfortunately, the "within" becomes "without. "
Thanks for posting this. As a newcomer to the faith, the calendar issue remains a bit of a mystery to me, as is much of the church's structure. I guess my question is still why did the West change it's calendar in the first place? What was the reason? I am probably asking this in the wrong place, but that is a question, regardless. Resources to read would be appreciated if anyone knows of any.
Thank God for Metropolitan Demetrius ☦️
We suggest that you look at buying some books on this website:
www.orthodoxtraditionalist.com/
May God direct you to follow His will!
Thank you, Metropolitan Demetrius
God bless you.
Just și bine punctat.
Mulțumim Mitropolitului Dimitrios!
Multă sănătate și pace în suflet!
God bless you!
Blessings to everyone who feels for the disease of our Orthodox Church, the Bride of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ❤ May God strengthen us 🙏
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
We are not calendar worshippers but.... Gregorian one was condemned by the several Councils of the Orthodox Church. Question for all "new calendar" OCs... When does the Fast of Holy Apostles start and end this 2024 year according to the calendar you use.?
Yes, very important point.
Don't ask that question it is painful for them
Hi I would like to join the Old Calendar Church but unfortunately I am from Singapore and there is only the New Calendar Church. I wish to learn and to be baptised in the Old Rite. I'm currently a Greek Catholic. Would appreciate some help. Thank you and God bless.
Please send your inquiries to gocofamerica@gmail.com
Thank you for this information, i fell away from orthodoxy because i didn't understand why there were so many traditions and couldn't see it biblically....I'm near Williamsport PA, are there any non ecumenical churches here? Or are they all the same? I would love to speak to someone, i have so many questions, plus what about communion? I don't want to go to a church that is worldy...Thank you again Metropolitan Dimitrius
You should write directly to gocofamerica@gmail.com
God bless you. Thank you for your inquiry.
The New Calendarist Schism.
Those brothers who dare call our beloved G.O.C. Church a schism need to understand that a schism always has two sides and each side of a schism may call the other schismatics. It does not matter what these sides call each other since the most important thing in such a matter is to accurately determine the following: After the schism Who remained in the Church and Who was cut off from Christ’s Body. Let's figure this out!
It is an undeniable fact that the calendar schism was caused specifically by those who in 1924 introduced a previously non-existent calendar innovation into the Church, and as a consequence of this caused the New Calendar Schism.
The faithful flock of the Greek Church never left the Church because they remained in the very same Holy Church with the same Julian Calendar after March 1924 in which they themselves were members of before March 1924, and in which their pious ancestors had always been members of before them. On the contrary, it was the schismatic new calendarists that left the Orthodox Church!
The dire consequences of the adoption of the New Calendar was attested many times by the Holy Fathers:
For example, in 1582, the Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah II condemned the New Calendar; in 1553, the Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah II, together with the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Jerusalem, collectively condemned the New Calendar and called on Christians firmly and unswervingly, even to the point of shedding one’s blood, adhere to the Orthodox monthly book of saints (Menaion, Menalogion) and the Julian Paschal, imposing anathema and excommunication from the Orthodox Church on all violators of this decree.
Ecumenical Patriarch Kirill V, in his Epistle in 1756, imposes terrible curses on the temporal earthly as well as the future eternal life on all Christians who accepted the New Style Calendar.
Ecumenical Patriarch Anthimus VI, together with other Eastern Patriarchs: Hierotheus of Alexandria, Methodius of Antioch and Cyril of Jerusalem with their Synods - in 1848, in the Epistle on behalf of the Only One Catholic and Apostolic Church, called the adoption of the New Calendar a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and anathematized all those who accept the New Calendar.
The attempt to introduce the erroneous New Style Calendar into the Orthodox Church under the guise of “Revised Julian” did not change the consequences for the reformers in essence. They not only reformed the Calendar but they also switched to a New Style Menalogion and consequently brought themselves under all mentioned above curses and anathemas of the Fathers.
In March 1924 the Orthodox remnant of the Greek Church rejected the erroneous calendar, refused to follow the false-teachers into schism and affirmed the canonicity of their resistance based on the second part of the XV Canon of the First-and-Second Council:
“For those who separate from communion with their president because of some heresy condemned by the Holy Councils or Fathers, when, that is, he preaches heresy to the whole people, and teaches it openly in the church, if such wall themselves off from communion with the above-mentioned bishop before conciliar examination not only are not subject to the penalty laid down by the Canons, but are also worthy of the honour befitting the Orthodox. For they have condemned, not bishops, but false-bishops and false-teachers, and they have no sundered the unity of the Church by a schism, but have endeavoured to protect the Church from schisms and divisions”.
After all that has been said above, we must conclude that the Old Calendar Greek Orthodox Church G.O.C. represents the Canonical Greek Local Church which has not only survived the tumultuous past century but continues to pave the way to salvation for its flock, serves as a witness to the Truth to those who seek It and protects the Church from schisms, divisions and false teachings.
Thank you. God bless you!
Would Metropolitan Demetrios be willing to detail what the issue of the Matthewite Schism entails, and what exactly the issue is with them?
I doubt it, because there is no real reason to do so.
That’s a pity@@OrthodoxTradition
No false union with Rome
No.
I recently discovered orthodoxy and things like this scarys me. There are only 3 orthodox churches near me. One is American and the priest seems a bit liberal and lax. The others dont speak english. I tried the greek one and they were unfriendly. The third is Russian, their website isnt in english so i dont expect any acceptance. I want to be true with God and on the right path. Is this old vs new calender issue something a newcomer should worry about ?
Of course, from our point of view, it is an issue, because of ecumenism. The Orthodox Church believes that it is The Body of Christ, and you cannot be Orthodox if you do not believe that.
If you have any more questions about your search, please write to gocofamerica@gmail.com
Can I ask a question, when here the Old calandra is referred, and I also follow the sermons of Metropolitan Demetrius, is it similar to the Ethiopain Calander? Cause I see all the days of the saints and all the fasting seasons resembles our Ethiopian orthodox calander days, I don’t now about the year though cause we are currently in 2016 and not 2024. is it similar to our time line or ?
I'm sorry, we don't really know anything about the Ethiopian calendar.
Ok thankyou very much
Dear Fathers I wish if you can search a bit about Ethiopia and Ethiopian Orthodox Church when you have time.
@@tsamateklerisom7335 Our calendar is based on the ancient Alexandrian or Coptic calendar, which traces its origins back to the ancient Egyptian calendar. In contrast, the calendar they use is relatively more recent, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE and later refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 CE. Our calendar determines the year based on the Annunciation of Jesus, believed to have taken place on March 25 according to the Julian calendar. Our calendar is approximately seven to eight years behind the calendar they use. It is worth noting that our calendar's calculation of the year does not rely on astronomical observations like the calendar they use. Instead, our calendar is firmly rooted in religious tradition. Furthermore, Ethiopia holds a significant historical distinction in being the first nation to embrace Christianity as a national religion. While it took nearly four centuries for regions like Greece, Rome, and Russia to adopt Christianity, Ethiopia had already established it as the cornerstone of our nation. During the initial 350 years after the birth of Christ, Christians in regions such as Greece, Rome, and the Middle East faced severe persecution and martyrdom. In contrast, Ethiopia celebrated Christ as the Redeemer, and our ancestors, untainted by the blood of Christians and through a steadfast commitment and reverence for Christ they established a calendar to commemorate the birth and feasts of our Lord. This unique characteristic of our calendar contributes to its accuracy and precision.
✝Did you happen to notice the response from Metropolitan Demetrius regarding your question? He is oblivious of the saintly fathers and hermits within our Orthodox monastic tradition, not to mention our unique calendar. Metropolitan Demetrius, like many Western Christians, including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant believers, often harbors misconceptions about Africa, often perceiving us as somewhat barbaric and assuming that they alone represent Christianity in the world. Unfortunately, Caucasian Christians often foolishly overlook our existence, disregarding our significance within the historical context. Having lived in the USA and encountered Greek EO Christians, I have observed that they exhibit ignorance when it comes to recognizing the rich spiritual heritage of Ethiopia. They mistakenly consider their Mount Athos monks as the exclusive torchbearers of the desert fathers, disregarding the wealth of spiritual traditions present within Ethiopia. It appears that you may not be fully aware of the profound spiritual legacy that exists in Ethiopia. I encourage you to seek a deeper understanding of the remarkable spiritual traditions that thrive within our country.
✝Indeed, the monks of Mount Athos are truly dedicated individuals who lead lives of devotion, prayer, and asceticism, striving for a deep union with God. Their commitment to simplicity, solitude, and contemplation is commendable. However, it is important to highlight that our hermits are numbered into the thousands. And many of our hermits reside in remote and austere locations, such as the Tekeze Desert, Waldeba Monastery, in the desert caves located approximately 100 miles from Gishen Mariam, Daga Estiphanos, Debre Libanos Monastery, to name a few. As you may know, most of our hermits possess only a single item of clothing and do not wear shoes. Many among them, especially those in Askema (advanced spiritual discipline), refrain from laying on the ground and instead take short naps while sitting on a chair. Beginners, of course, sleep directly on the bare ground. Have you ever experienced the taste of bread consumed by our monks at St. Teklehimanot Monastery? I had the chance to try it, and I must say it is extremely bitter, to the point where I couldn't even swallow a bite. At Waldeba Monastery, they partake of an ounce of dried banana at sunset. Fasting is observed throughout the year, with the exception of feast days. I had the privilege of meeting a monk who dedicated 30 years of his life to silent prayer, following in the footsteps of Abba Agathon of Sects. During these three decades, he kept a stone in his mouth, removing it only when eating or taking communion. Such extraordinary acts of devotion and self-discipline exemplify the profound spiritual traditions upheld by our monks.
✝Moreover, I had the remarkable opportunity to encounter a monk who engaged in a unique form of prayer - from dusk till dawn, he would pray outdoors, completely naked, with the exception of covering his private parts as he immerses himself in water from his knees down. He dedicated himself to intense mortification, perfect prayer and communion with God for a remarkable span of 25 years. During my month-long period, I had also the privilege of living among a group of three hermits. Their way of life resonated deeply with me, and I longed to stay and emulate their spiritual path. However, one of the hermits, in his wisdom, advised me that it was not God's plan for me. He foresaw my journey to the United States, my pursuit of education, the gain of material wealth, and the subsequent downfall I would experience due to pride and involvement in immoral behavior driven by the power of money. He also spoke of the struggles I would face during a period of repentance, and the eventual rise I would experience through the grace of God. Now, as I have grown older, I can clearly see that every word spoken by the hermit has come to pass. His prophetic insight into my life has been uncannily accurate, and I have witnessed the truth of his words unfold before my eyes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the divine wisdom that can be found within the spiritual guidance of our Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido hermits and monks. It is important to recognize and appreciate the rich spiritual heritage found within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, which encompasses the dedicated lives and practices of our hermits and monks. They embody a profound commitment to their faith and serve as a source of inspiration for all who encounter their remarkable journeys.
✝My main emphasis is that both Metropolitan Demetrius and many Western Christians are often unaware of the hidden gems that Ethiopia possesses and the extraordinary spiritual achievements and dedication found among these desert saints of Ethiopia. Within our country, there are beloved desert saints who reside in the deserts and caves, diligently adhering to the strict disciplines and teachings of the revered desert fathers. These Ethiopian monks excel in every aspect, surpassing even the renowned monks of Mount Athos.
What is the synod's official position on whether or not the "modernist jurisdictions" have sanctifying grace, meaning the special charism which only the one, holy, catholic, apostolic church possesses?
The position which the Orthodox Church has always had. It's in the life of St. Maximos the Confessor.
Even so, we must be careful about this question. Never do we find this question causing divisions in the Church. The very bishops of ROCOR at one time had differences of opinions over whether the Latins have grace! We obviously don't believe that, but the point is that that should not be the main concern. Separation from heresy should be. Whenever the Orthodox separate from heretics, they are concerned about the heresy and separating from it. They don't fixate on the question of Grace.
@@OrthodoxTraditionWhat is this TH-cam channels official relationship to the GOC?
Does anyone use the Julian calender for daily life outside of the Liturgical Calender?
It is not a fair question knowing that civic calendar in all countries is Gregorian one... and thus... use of Julian calendar in civic affairs is not possible.
@@johnnyd2383 why is Julius Ceasars pagan calender more valid than Gregory's heretical calender? Do you think the leap year is valid or not?
It's a moot issue. These aren't the calenders of the Lord. And the supposed True Orthodox Church of Greece chose to obey mandates rather than take on fines or imprisonment in 2020. That's a greater heresy than ecumenism. When the fathers dubbed the heresy of heresies ecumenism they couldn't fathom that they'd ever face a clergy so weak that would accept the idea of staying locked in doors and deny Holy Communion to the faithful because the state told us we'd get sick. Repent!
Ethiopia as country has her own calander, we don’t call it Julian cause it’s the Ethiopian Orthodox Church fathers who installed it and there is a calculation called ‚BEHARE HASAB‘ which enables to decide the days of the feast of the year. So we use this in Ethiopia as our daily calander and we are in the year 2016 and not 2024 and our time zone is not 24 rather divided in to two 12 hour zones from morning to evening and from evening to morning, so basically to say sun oriented
@@tsamateklerisom7335, So amazing. Thanks for sharing!!!
The monks and nuns, as well as some families that, by God's grace, achieve consensus to follow as much as possible; I know of one.
🕊🙏🏼❤
God bless you!
Amin Amin Amin 🙏 😊l🇨🇦🇬🇷
Amen.
☦️📿
God bless you.
@@OrthodoxTradition thank U Father☦️☦️☦️❤🌻📿
@@linoazzurro oh thank U so much I won't use it again if it is from yoga....I can ask.
There is a much more practical reason for celebrating Pascha on the same date as everyone else, and that is for the faithful who end up missing Holy Week because they have to travel for work and cannot attend. It is an issue of pastoral love and care for the faithful, not ecumenism. My opinion is that the decision on this is made by people who don’t have to make this choice.
Maybe that's what planning vacation days is for.
Brothers the reason for the calendar change was stated clearly in the 1920 encyclical "To the churches of Christ everywhere" - this document is a call for Christian union (Ecumenism) and therefore the reason for the calendar change is sadly not that of pastoral care but of building the kingdom of antichrist. May God preserve and save us all.
May the Lord deliver us from the evil one.
❤Klok og pen mann
Pray for His Eminence!
I believe its time to put into practice the 15 cannon of the second synod of Saint Fotios the great
As that is the only way to beat Hersey with out causing cracks in the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church of the Holy Fathers and the Ecumenical council's decision
May God keep us always in His Holy Church.
Isn't he a old calanderist bishop making him a schismatic?
Yes
He is not a schismatic. If you knew Church history ( Greek and Russian) then you would know that.
@@matushkajustina8978 Im sorry I thought he was appart of the old calenderist movement that schismed from the church was I mistaken?
You need to know what that "movement" really was. Orthodox Christians need to know the truth. You must study and know what happened .
@@matushkajustina8978 I have been a Greek Orthodox Christian for longer than you have been alive, believe me I know my Church history.